What is “double thinking”?

George Orwell:

“Doublethink means the power of holding two contradictory beliefs in one’s mind simultaneously, and accepting both of them. The Party intellectual knows in which direction his memories must be altered; he, therefore, knows that he is playing tricks with reality; but by the exercise of doublethink, he also satisfies himself that reality is not violated. The process has to be conscious, or it would not be carried out with sufficient precision, but it also has to be unconscious, or it would bring with it a feeling of falsity and hence of guilt. Doublethink lies at the very heart of Ingsoc since the essential act of the Party is to use conscious deception while retaining the firmness of purpose that goes with complete honesty. To tell deliberate lies while genuinely believing in them, to forget any fact that has become inconvenient, and then, when it becomes necessary again, to draw it back from oblivion for just so long as it is needed, to deny the existence of objective reality and all the while to take account of the reality which one denies — all this is indispensably necessary.”

In George Orwell’s dystopian novel “1984,” the concept of doublethink is a crucial tool for the Party’s control over Oceania. By manipulating reality and forcing individuals to accept contradictions, the Party ensures that its authority remains unchallenged.

Orwell’s idea of doublethink is not just a fictional construct; it is deeply rooted in various aspects of our modern world and in large part can explain the paranoic world where we live now. From political rhetoric that shifts depending on the audience to advertising that promises conflicting benefits, doublethink is a pervasive phenomenon.

Real-World Examples

Examples from our daily lives are easily visible. Consider the political scene in which politicians may argue for freedom while enforcing restrictive rules. Another example is consumerism, where marketers frequently sell things by appealing to both uniqueness and uniformity.

The ability to maintain contradictory views without acknowledging the inherent conflict might result in a society in which objective reality is weakened. This has a negative impact not just on public discourse, but also on personal integrity and trust.

The great German philosopher Hannah Arendt noted in “The Origins of Totalitarianism” that “the ideal subject of totalitarian rule is not the convinced Nazi or the convinced Communist, but people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction, true and false, no longer exists.” This highlights the great danger for our civilization and the culture that permeates it.

Petit Bréviaire for the Astute Citizen

How do we see doublethink manifest in our daily lives?

Doublethink occurs in numerous facets of daily life. For instance, in politics, voters may support measures that violate their own interests or convictions because of allegiance to their party. Employees at work may outwardly support business principles while secretly recognizing unethical actions. In social interactions, people may portray a curated version of themselves on social media that differs from their real-life experiences and sentiments. These examples demonstrate how humans frequently manage competing ideas and realities, sometimes without fully understanding the conflicts.

What are the long-term effects of accepting contradictory beliefs on society?

Accepting opposing viewpoints may have far-reaching consequences for society. It can result in widespread cognitive dissonance, in which people struggle to reconcile opposing concepts, generating stress and psychological discomfort. This can diminish faith in institutions over time, as individuals become more sceptical of what is genuine or incorrect. It may also undermine democratic processes by muddying public debate with competing narratives, making it difficult to establish consensus on critical topics. Finally, a society that tolerates or welcomes doublethink may struggle to sustain a shared sense of reality and purpose, resulting in conflict and instability.

How can individuals resist the pull of doublethink and strive for a more consistent and truthful understanding of the world?

Resisting the temptation of doublethink needs deliberate effort and critical thought. Individuals can begin by developing self-awareness, recognizing when they have contradicting ideas and investigating the reasons for them. Engaging with other points of view and searching out credible sources of information may help combat bias and misinformation. Furthermore, encouraging open and honest communication with others helps develop a culture of openness and responsibility. Individuals who value truth and consistency can help to build a more educated and unified society that upholds integrity and reality.

Further reading:

Originally published at http://soulofmatter.wordpress.com on August 2, 2024.